Hyundai unveils the new Avante

The Avante, also known as the Elantra in some markets, was officially unveiled at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea. The car has been completely redesigned, and features Hyundai's 'Fluidic Sculpture' design, with a sleek coupe-like body as well as HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights and LED taillights.

Hyundai has not released any pictures of the new Avante's interior, but says that it will have "advanced features not found on other compacts." Among them are heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and a colour TFT LCD information display.

Under the bonnet, the new Avante has a 1.6-litre Gamma GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder engine with 138bhp and 167Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the car is said to be "10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors."

According to Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division, "The new Avante (Elantra) encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class. We're confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide." Sales will begin in the second half of 2010.